German Paper Slammed for Obama Slur

A German newspaper ignited a firestorm of controversy this week when it printed a photograph of the White House bearing the headline "Uncle Barack's Cabin." "The headline is intended to be satirical," the Berlin-based daily Die Tageszeitung's deputy editor-in-chief explained to Der Spiegel, adding that it was supposed to make people think about racial stereotypes.

But many Germans were unconvinced. "The newspaper is comparing Obama with Uncle Tom, a subservient slave," said a member of Initiative of Black People of Germany. The editor said the paper, known as the Taz, is famous for its ironic cover headlines. "I'm sure 99% of our readers would understand it correctly," he added. "As for the rest, well, tough luck." (More Uncle Tom's Cabin stories.)